Model Year | 2014 | 2015 | |
Model | Ford Transit Connect | Fiat 500L | |
Engine | 2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 169 hp@6000 171 lb-ft@4500 |
turbocharged 1.4L I4 OHC-4v 160 hp@5500 184 lb-ft@2500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automated manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Minivan | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 104.8 in | 102.8 in | 2 in |
Length | 173.9 in | 167.3 in | 6.6 in |
Width | 72.2 in | 69.8 in | 2.4 in |
Height | 72.6 in | 65.7 in | 6.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3668 lb. | 3254 lb. | 414 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 46.8 in | 40.7 in | 6.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.6 in | 57.3 in | 0.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.1 in | 54.9 in | -0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.3 in | 40.0 in | 0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 45.1 in | 38.7 in | 6.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.5 in | 54.6 in | 3.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 58.5 in | 49.4 in | 9.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 36.7 in | 0.9 in |
Total Legroom | 77.9 in (over 2 rows) | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 1.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 46.8 ft3 | 22.4 ft3 | 24.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 77.0 ft3 | 68.0 ft3 | 9 ft3 |
2014 Ford Transit Connect Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Transit Connect's second-row bench is roomy and fairly comfortable for two people, but somewhat tight for three. The Sienna has another half-foot of shoulder room. Also, the seatback in the Ford's second row does not recline. If you do want captain's chairs, well, they're not an option. The situation worsens in the Ford's third row, which is less substantial and much lower to the floor than the third-row seats in the Honda or the Toyota. Unlike the Transit Connect's second row, its third-row seat does slide fore-aft (about six inches) and recline. Slide it all the way back, and legroom becomes almost generous. Still, it isn't a place many adults would want to spend much time. On top of this, it should be easier to open and close the Transit Connect's sliding doors and to get into its third row. The second row doesn't tip or slide forward like those in conventional minivans. Instead, it must be pushed to the floor in a fairly difficult two-step procedure. see full Ford Transit Connect review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2014 Ford Transit Connect.
2015 Fiat 500L Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | The front seats in the 500 (no L) aren't my favorite aspect of the car (to put it lightly). Those in the 500L are totally different. They're not luxurious. They're not sporty. But they're firm without being overly firm and the way the seatback angles forward from its midpoint provides excellent mid-back support. A power lumbar adjuster is available, but the tested car lacked this feature and I didn't miss it. The Soul's front seats are flatter, firmer, lacking in lumbar support, and generally much less comfortable. see full Fiat 500L review |
2015 Fiat 500L Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The 500L's rear seat, which slides and reclines, is mounted very high off the floor, and consequently provides better thigh support than most. Slide it all the way back, and legroom is plentiful (if still not as plentiful as in the Kia). But combine the high cushion with the optional panoramic sunroof, and even though I'm only 5-9 my scalp nearly touched the headliner. Anyone who intends to carry people over 5-10 in the back seat best skip the sunroof. Without it the 500L has much more rear headroom. see full Fiat 500L review |
2015 Fiat 500L Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
This isn't a problem for me exactly, but I've noticed other reviewers have mentioned it. The front seats are firm and I've been told that the seat fabric in some of the other models can be a bit slick. It took me a few days to get fully accustomed to the seats and find the position that works best for me. I like the firmness because it gives extra support. It's certainly something you'll want to pay attention to when you test drive it. see full Fiat 500L review |